US Airways chief: No plans to cut New York service

Schumer voices concerns about merger with American

Mar. 20, 2013

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The CEO of US Airways told U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer on Tuesday that the airline has no plans to reduce service at New York airports after it merges with American Airlines.

“We love flying in and out of New York and we love working with you, and we will continue to do so,” Doug Parker said during a Senate subcommittee hearing. “As we’ve said, this merger is about putting together two networks that are highly complementary and not reducing service.”

Parker responded to concerns raised by Schumer that the merger will increase fares and reduce flights and jobs at airports across the state. US Airways and American announced last month that they will merge to become the world’s largest airline.

Schumer applauded Parker’s verbal commitment, but said in a statement that “actions speak louder than words.”

He added: “I will fight to ensure that regular, affordable and reliable air service to and from regional airports, like Buffalo, Albany, Rochester, Binghamton, Watertown or Westchester, are not sacrificed as the merger negotiations move forward.”

Westchester County Airport manager Peter Scherrer said because the airline industry is so volatile, it’s hard to predict future business.

“Everybody is trying to stay profitable and looking at every dime to keep their flights operating,” he told The Journal News. “You can’t guarantee an airline won’t go out of business or pull out of the market.”